Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Bio
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (born September 4, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker currently playing in the National Football League. After going undrafted out of the University of Arizona, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and spent six seasons with the organization as a core special teams contributor and rotational defender. He has since moved through the New York Giants and most recently the Buffalo Bills, continuing his career as a depth linebacker and special teams player at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles was born on September 4, 1996, in Tucson, Arizona, in the United States. He grew up in the same community where he would later build his name as a football player, attending Mountain View High School in Tucson. His hometown roots kept him connected to the Southwest throughout his early athletic development and shaped his path toward college football in the region.
At Mountain View High School, Flannigan-Fowles developed into a promising defensive prospect, working on the skills that would later define his role as a linebacker. His performance at the prep level drew attention from college programs, and he ultimately stayed close to home by committing to the University of Arizona. He has been listed at 6 feet 2 inches tall and around 223 pounds, the kind of frame that translated well to a hybrid linebacker and special teams role in the NFL.
Path to American Football
Flannigan-Fowles joined the Arizona Wildcats in 2015 and played four seasons for the program through the 2018 campaign. Over the course of his collegiate career, he appeared in 50 games and built a well-rounded statistical résumé, finishing with 243 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 22 passes defended, and 6 interceptions. That production demonstrated a knack for reading the passing game, an attribute that would become a calling card at the next level.
His four-year run at Arizona reflected steady progression rather than a single breakout season, as he handled a large defensive workload while also contributing in coverage. Despite the strong production, Flannigan-Fowles went unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft. That status, however, did not prevent him from earning an opportunity at the professional level, as the San Francisco 49ers signed him as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2019, giving him his first pathway into the National Football League.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Flannigan-Fowles’ first professional season was a turbulent one, defined by movement between the active roster and the practice squad. He was waived by the 49ers on August 31, 2019, during final roster cuts, then re-signed to the team’s practice squad the very next day. He was placed on the practice squad injured list on December 10 of that year, slowing his early development.
In February 2020, Flannigan-Fowles signed a futures/reserve contract with San Francisco and made the active roster out of training camp. During the 2020 season, he played in 11 games, mostly on special teams, made one start, and finished the year with nine total tackles. That special teams role became the foundation of his early NFL identity.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2019–2024)
Flannigan-Fowles’ role with the 49ers grew steadily after his first full offseason with the organization. In 2021, he appeared in all 17 games, made two starts, and recorded 29 total tackles, showing he could be trusted as a regular defensive contributor. On March 11, 2022, he signed a one-year extension with San Francisco, then played all 17 games that season, including his first career sack, which came against the Carolina Panthers in Week 5.
He continued to be a reliable presence for the 49ers in 2023, appearing in 16 games with one start, and re-signed with the team on March 15, 2024. During the 2024 season, he played 12 games with three starts, totaling 17 combined tackles and 2 pass deflections. On February 18, 2025, Flannigan-Fowles was released by San Francisco, closing a six-year chapter with the franchise that had originally taken a chance on him as an undrafted rookie.
New York Giants Era (2025)
Following his release from the 49ers, Flannigan-Fowles found a new home quickly in free agency. On March 14, 2025, he signed with the New York Giants, joining the organization for the 2025 season. The move gave him a chance to continue his career as a depth linebacker and special teams player on the East Coast.
Buffalo Bills Era (2026–Present)
Flannigan-Fowles’ tenure with the Giants was short, as he moved on before the 2026 season. On May 27, 2026, he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, where he currently wears jersey number 50 and remains on the active roster. The signing represented another opportunity to contribute on special teams and as a reserve linebacker for a contending AFC team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Flannigan-Fowles is best known for his work in coverage and on special teams rather than as a pass-rushing linebacker. His college background, which included 22 passes defended and 6 interceptions at Arizona, helped him develop strong route-recognition skills. At the NFL level, those traits have translated into a steady role on special teams units and a flexible presence on defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most notable moments of Flannigan-Fowles’ career came in 2022, when he recorded his first career NFL sack against the Carolina Panthers in Week 5. Beyond that play, his biggest milestones have been the durability markers, including appearing in all 17 games in both 2021 and 2022, and the longevity of surviving as an undrafted free agent across multiple contracts with the 49ers.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Career Wins
As a linebacker and special teams player, Flannigan-Fowles’ value has not been measured in headline win totals but in the consistency of his role within winning organizations. He has been part of the San Francisco 49ers teams that reached deep into the postseason and has continued his career with franchises built to contend.
NFL Career Highlights
Flannigan-Fowles’ most prominent highlight remains his first career sack, recorded in 2022 against the Carolina Panthers. He has also built a reputation for appearing in nearly every game when healthy, suiting up for all 17 regular season contests in both 2021 and 2022. Through the 2025 season, his career NFL totals include 129 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 pass deflections.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his NFL work, Flannigan-Fowles’ strongest performances came during his four seasons at the University of Arizona. He finished his college career with 243 tackles, 6 interceptions, 22 passes defended, 10 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries across 50 games, the kind of all-around production that helped him earn his initial professional opportunity.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Flannigan-Fowles’ family background is limited. He grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and attended Mountain View High School, where he began developing the work ethic that carried him into the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Personal Life
Details about Flannigan-Fowles’ personal life, including marital status, are not widely confirmed in publicly available sources. He maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career through the @dflann12 account on X and the @dflann_12 account on Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transition year for Flannigan-Fowles, as he began the campaign with the New York Giants after signing on March 14, 2025. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a role on defense and on special teams, areas where he has built his professional reputation. His career totals through the 2025 season include 129 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 pass deflections.
After his time with the Giants, Flannigan-Fowles signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on May 27, 2026, joining a roster built around contention. The switch gave him a chance to contribute on special teams units and provide veteran depth at the linebacker position. With his experience and his coverage skills, he remained a dependable presence in the locker room.
